Market glut brings down prices of Kashmir’s high-density apples

Srinagar, Aug 19: Harvesting of high-density apple varieties has started across Kashmir, but instead of reaping profits, growers are struggling as prices have slumped by nearly 40 percent compared to last year. The fall is being attributed to an oversupply in the market and subdued demand.

Varieties such as Super Chief, Red Velox, Red Gala, Scarlet Spur II and Gala Redlum—imported from Italy and the United States—have gained popularity for their bright colour and superior quality. This year, however, their market performance is disappointing.

“Prices are down by about 40 percent. There are three main reasons: Himachal Pradesh has had an excellent crop, floods in different parts of the country have curtailed demand, and Kashmir itself has witnessed a bumper harvest,” said Bashir Ahmad Basheer, Chairman of the All Kashmir Fruit Growers cum Dealers Union.

At Shopian’s Fruit Mandi, traders are witnessing the downturn firsthand. “Last year, a 10–12 kg box would fetch Rs 1,300–Rs 1,400. This season, it’s difficult to sell the same box beyond Rs 750–Rs 1,000,” said a local dealer. The mandi currently handles 30,000 to 40,000 cartons daily, while overall, nearly 80,000–85,000 cartons from Kashmir are making their way to wholesale markets across India every day.

Experts say the glut stems from the Valley’s rapid transition to high-density orchards. “Every year, two to three million high-density trees are being planted. Since they start producing fruit within two to three years, the supply has increased drastically,” explained a senior fruit merchant, estimating production is up 35–45 percent over last year.

Kashmir contributes nearly 75 percent of India’s apple output, with 2.5 to 2.6 million tonnes harvested annually, sustaining over 3.5 million people. To encourage higher yields, the J&K government has been promoting high-density orchards through a 50 percent subsidy under its Modified High-Density Plantation Scheme, targeting 5,500 hectares by 2026.

But despite this policy support, farmers are anxious. “We invested huge sums in high-density farming expecting better returns, but current prices are discouraging. If the situation does not improve in September and October, many of us will face financial stress,” said an orchardist from Pulwama.

Growers now hope that with the peak season ahead, demand will strengthen and prices will recover. For the moment, though, Kashmir’s apple economy is weighed down by its own abundance.